Rachel León
@rachellayown.bsky.social
writer | editor | social worker
managing director @chicagorevbooks.bsky.social
editor of THE ROCKFORD ANTHOLOGY (out now!)
debut novel HOW WE SEE THE GRAY (May 2026)
(she/they)
https://linktr.ee/rachelleon
managing director @chicagorevbooks.bsky.social
editor of THE ROCKFORD ANTHOLOGY (out now!)
debut novel HOW WE SEE THE GRAY (May 2026)
(she/they)
https://linktr.ee/rachelleon
Reposted by Rachel León
What a fantastic interview! If it inspires you to do what Rachel has done for another city, get in touch with us at @beltpublishing.bsky.social
Please read this wonderful interview with @chicagorevbooks.bsky.social managing director, @rachellayown.bsky.social -- the editor of a new book titled The Rockford Anthology.
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/11/06/t...
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/11/06/t...
The Rockford Files: An Interview with Rachel León on "The Rockford Anthology" - Chicago Review of Books
A conversation with Rachel León, editor of "The Rockford Anthology"
chireviewofbooks.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:29 PM
What a fantastic interview! If it inspires you to do what Rachel has done for another city, get in touch with us at @beltpublishing.bsky.social
Reposted by Rachel León
"It was my goal to capture Rockford as it really is: flawed, yes, but full of strengths, too."
@recycledgiraffe.bsky.social's interview with @rachellayown.bsky.social on editing the "The Rockford Anthology” (@beltpublishing.bsky.social) is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/11/06/t...
@recycledgiraffe.bsky.social's interview with @rachellayown.bsky.social on editing the "The Rockford Anthology” (@beltpublishing.bsky.social) is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/11/06/t...
The Rockford Files: An Interview with Rachel León on "The Rockford Anthology" - Chicago Review of Books
A conversation with Rachel León, editor of "The Rockford Anthology"
chireviewofbooks.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:54 PM
"It was my goal to capture Rockford as it really is: flawed, yes, but full of strengths, too."
@recycledgiraffe.bsky.social's interview with @rachellayown.bsky.social on editing the "The Rockford Anthology” (@beltpublishing.bsky.social) is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/11/06/t...
@recycledgiraffe.bsky.social's interview with @rachellayown.bsky.social on editing the "The Rockford Anthology” (@beltpublishing.bsky.social) is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/11/06/t...
Reposted by Rachel León
Another world is possible, if we fight for it
November 5, 2025 at 3:27 AM
Another world is possible, if we fight for it
Reposted by Rachel León
October 28, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Reposted by Rachel León
"We’re following our hearts and minds...finding a balance so we don’t inadvertently publish titles that are too similar.”
Out now: @rachellayown.bsky.social's interview with @allisonwoodnutt.bsky.social of Smith & Taylor Classics at @unnamedpress.bsky.social.
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/10/31/i...
Out now: @rachellayown.bsky.social's interview with @allisonwoodnutt.bsky.social of Smith & Taylor Classics at @unnamedpress.bsky.social.
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/10/31/i...
Interview with an Editor: Allison Miriam Woodnutt at Smith & Taylor Classics - Chicago Review of Books
Our interview with Allison Miriam Woodnutt at Smith & Taylor Classics.
chireviewofbooks.com
October 31, 2025 at 3:49 PM
"We’re following our hearts and minds...finding a balance so we don’t inadvertently publish titles that are too similar.”
Out now: @rachellayown.bsky.social's interview with @allisonwoodnutt.bsky.social of Smith & Taylor Classics at @unnamedpress.bsky.social.
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/10/31/i...
Out now: @rachellayown.bsky.social's interview with @allisonwoodnutt.bsky.social of Smith & Taylor Classics at @unnamedpress.bsky.social.
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/10/31/i...
Reposted by Rachel León
We are always very proud to be a part of the Stories Matter Foundation, but today especially.
October 29, 2025 at 9:15 PM
We are always very proud to be a part of the Stories Matter Foundation, but today especially.
Reposted by Rachel León
"What I can tell you, clearly and unambiguously, is that it is not always an easy matter to settle on what is true."
@rachellayown.bsky.social's interview with @dianejosefowicz.bsky.social on her new book "Guardians & Saints” (Cornerstone Press) is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/10/24/t...
@rachellayown.bsky.social's interview with @dianejosefowicz.bsky.social on her new book "Guardians & Saints” (Cornerstone Press) is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/10/24/t...
Tuning into the Dream Stuff: An Interview with Diane Josefowicz - Chicago Review of Books
A conversation with Diane Josefowicz on her new short story collection, "Guardians & Saints"
chireviewofbooks.com
October 24, 2025 at 12:38 PM
"What I can tell you, clearly and unambiguously, is that it is not always an easy matter to settle on what is true."
@rachellayown.bsky.social's interview with @dianejosefowicz.bsky.social on her new book "Guardians & Saints” (Cornerstone Press) is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/10/24/t...
@rachellayown.bsky.social's interview with @dianejosefowicz.bsky.social on her new book "Guardians & Saints” (Cornerstone Press) is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/10/24/t...
Reposted by Rachel León
A book that gets a proclamation from the mayor! A whole official week! How cool is this
October 21, 2025 at 10:13 PM
A book that gets a proclamation from the mayor! A whole official week! How cool is this
Reposted by Rachel León
"Once [books] are published and out in the world, I am constantly surprised by the extent of their reach and the wonderful ways they touch readers."
@rachellayown.bsky.social's interview with @milkweededitions.bsky.social editor Daniel Slager is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/09/15/i...
@rachellayown.bsky.social's interview with @milkweededitions.bsky.social editor Daniel Slager is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/09/15/i...
Interview with an Editor: Daniel Slager at Milkweed Editions - Chicago Review of Books
Our interview with Daniel Slager at Milkweed Editions.
chireviewofbooks.com
September 15, 2025 at 5:28 PM
"Once [books] are published and out in the world, I am constantly surprised by the extent of their reach and the wonderful ways they touch readers."
@rachellayown.bsky.social's interview with @milkweededitions.bsky.social editor Daniel Slager is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/09/15/i...
@rachellayown.bsky.social's interview with @milkweededitions.bsky.social editor Daniel Slager is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/09/15/i...
Reposted by Rachel León
We're excited to tell you we have THREE full scholarships available for Queer Joy and Sensibilities with JP Solheim, a four-session in-person class starting 9/18.
Apply here by 9/16: buff.ly/blJ7Kaq
Apply here by 9/16: buff.ly/blJ7Kaq
September 10, 2025 at 11:23 PM
We're excited to tell you we have THREE full scholarships available for Queer Joy and Sensibilities with JP Solheim, a four-session in-person class starting 9/18.
Apply here by 9/16: buff.ly/blJ7Kaq
Apply here by 9/16: buff.ly/blJ7Kaq
Reposted by Rachel León
"Resentment, infatuation, dependence, alienation and fear of loneliness work well when they’re being revealed with words and images together."
@rachellayown.bsky.social's interview with Lee Lai on her new book “Cannon” @dandq.bsky.social is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/09/10/t...
@rachellayown.bsky.social's interview with Lee Lai on her new book “Cannon” @dandq.bsky.social is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/09/10/t...
The Expansiveness of Visual and Verbal Craft in "Cannon": A Conversation With Lee Lai - Chicago Review of Books
Award-winning cartoonist Lee Lai’s new graphic novel, Cannon is gorgeous with astonishing story complexity. New to Lai’s work, I decided to first check out her debut, Stone Fruit, and our review of it...
chireviewofbooks.com
September 10, 2025 at 3:11 PM
"Resentment, infatuation, dependence, alienation and fear of loneliness work well when they’re being revealed with words and images together."
@rachellayown.bsky.social's interview with Lee Lai on her new book “Cannon” @dandq.bsky.social is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/09/10/t...
@rachellayown.bsky.social's interview with Lee Lai on her new book “Cannon” @dandq.bsky.social is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/09/10/t...
If you’re in the Chicago area, I’ll be in conversation with David Ambroz tomorrow at Printers Row Lit Fest about his inspiring memoir A PLACE CALLED HOME. We’ll be at the North Stage at 1pm. Hope to see you there!
September 5, 2025 at 2:17 PM
If you’re in the Chicago area, I’ll be in conversation with David Ambroz tomorrow at Printers Row Lit Fest about his inspiring memoir A PLACE CALLED HOME. We’ll be at the North Stage at 1pm. Hope to see you there!
Reposted by Rachel León
HUGE congrats to @chicagorevbooks.bsky.social managing director and Novel In A Year alum @rachellayown.bsky.social on being named one of 10 Poets & Writers' 2025 Get the Word Out Fiction Fellows:
www.pw.org/about-us/new...
www.pw.org/about-us/new...
Ten Authors to Watch: Introducing the 2025 Get the Word Out Fiction Fellows
www.pw.org
September 4, 2025 at 3:07 PM
HUGE congrats to @chicagorevbooks.bsky.social managing director and Novel In A Year alum @rachellayown.bsky.social on being named one of 10 Poets & Writers' 2025 Get the Word Out Fiction Fellows:
www.pw.org/about-us/new...
www.pw.org/about-us/new...
Reposted by Rachel León
We’re thrilled to announce the @pw.org Fall 2025 Get the Word Out Fiction Cohort.
Get the Word Out is a unique publicity incubator designed to help early career authors maximize the exposure of their forthcoming books.
debutiful.net/2025/09/03/a...
Get the Word Out is a unique publicity incubator designed to help early career authors maximize the exposure of their forthcoming books.
debutiful.net/2025/09/03/a...
September 3, 2025 at 5:26 PM
We’re thrilled to announce the @pw.org Fall 2025 Get the Word Out Fiction Cohort.
Get the Word Out is a unique publicity incubator designed to help early career authors maximize the exposure of their forthcoming books.
debutiful.net/2025/09/03/a...
Get the Word Out is a unique publicity incubator designed to help early career authors maximize the exposure of their forthcoming books.
debutiful.net/2025/09/03/a...
Reposted by Rachel León
Woohoo!!! Go @rachellayown.bsky.social!!!! 🥳 🥳 🥳
We love you, Rockford! Read our interview with Rachel León, editor of The Rockford Anthology, on Belt's site. beltpublishing.com/pages/conver...
September 2, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Woohoo!!! Go @rachellayown.bsky.social!!!! 🥳 🥳 🥳
Very grateful for this lovely review of THE ROCKFORD ANTHOLOGY!
Looking at a map of northern Illinois, you’ll find Rockford halfway between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River; this post-industrial city also represents a midpoint in my coming of age.
My review of THE ROCKFORD ANTHOLOGY, @sixtyinchesfromcenter.org:
sixtyinchesfromcenter.org/midway-to-ho...
My review of THE ROCKFORD ANTHOLOGY, @sixtyinchesfromcenter.org:
sixtyinchesfromcenter.org/midway-to-ho...
Midway to Home: A Review of The Rockford Anthology - Sixty Inches From Center
A look at Belt Publishing's new book "The Rockford Anthology" through the eyes of a writer reconsidering their relationship to their hometown.
sixtyinchesfromcenter.org
August 27, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Very grateful for this lovely review of THE ROCKFORD ANTHOLOGY!
Reposted by Rachel León
Looking at a map of northern Illinois, you’ll find Rockford halfway between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River; this post-industrial city also represents a midpoint in my coming of age.
My review of THE ROCKFORD ANTHOLOGY, @sixtyinchesfromcenter.org:
sixtyinchesfromcenter.org/midway-to-ho...
My review of THE ROCKFORD ANTHOLOGY, @sixtyinchesfromcenter.org:
sixtyinchesfromcenter.org/midway-to-ho...
Midway to Home: A Review of The Rockford Anthology - Sixty Inches From Center
A look at Belt Publishing's new book "The Rockford Anthology" through the eyes of a writer reconsidering their relationship to their hometown.
sixtyinchesfromcenter.org
August 26, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Looking at a map of northern Illinois, you’ll find Rockford halfway between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River; this post-industrial city also represents a midpoint in my coming of age.
My review of THE ROCKFORD ANTHOLOGY, @sixtyinchesfromcenter.org:
sixtyinchesfromcenter.org/midway-to-ho...
My review of THE ROCKFORD ANTHOLOGY, @sixtyinchesfromcenter.org:
sixtyinchesfromcenter.org/midway-to-ho...
Reposted by Rachel León
Our assistant fiction editor @isleofanalia.bsky.social sold her story collection LADY OF THE GARDEN to Morissa Young at @milkweededitions.bsky.social! We're so proud of her and excited to read her work.🎉
August 20, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Our assistant fiction editor @isleofanalia.bsky.social sold her story collection LADY OF THE GARDEN to Morissa Young at @milkweededitions.bsky.social! We're so proud of her and excited to read her work.🎉
Reposted by Rachel León
"I want to live in a way that feels meaningful, that’ll never pay out in the rewards of fame or fortune."
@adamalsirgany.bsky.social's interview with @rachellayown.bsky.social his new book "More Hell" (@whiskeytit.com) is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/08/19/r...
@adamalsirgany.bsky.social's interview with @rachellayown.bsky.social his new book "More Hell" (@whiskeytit.com) is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/08/19/r...
Raising Less Corn and More Hell: An Interview with Adam al-Sirgany - Chicago Review of Books
Our interview with Adam al-Sirgany about his new book, "More Hell."
chireviewofbooks.com
August 19, 2025 at 5:03 PM
"I want to live in a way that feels meaningful, that’ll never pay out in the rewards of fame or fortune."
@adamalsirgany.bsky.social's interview with @rachellayown.bsky.social his new book "More Hell" (@whiskeytit.com) is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/08/19/r...
@adamalsirgany.bsky.social's interview with @rachellayown.bsky.social his new book "More Hell" (@whiskeytit.com) is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/08/19/r...
Reposted by Rachel León
NEW interview live! This one's with Rachel León, editor of the forthcoming collection, The Rockford Anthology.
beltpublishing.com/pages/conver...
beltpublishing.com/pages/conver...
July 28, 2025 at 3:00 PM
NEW interview live! This one's with Rachel León, editor of the forthcoming collection, The Rockford Anthology.
beltpublishing.com/pages/conver...
beltpublishing.com/pages/conver...
Reposted by Rachel León
Huge shoutout to @michaelzapata.bsky.social for this well-deserved news!!
Also we have a sneak peek on his next book in this article 👀
Also we have a sneak peek on his next book in this article 👀
We are OVER THE MOON for Chicago's @michaelzapata.bsky.social who just won the Inaugural DAG Prize for Literature!!! 🥳🥳🥳 Read all about it below!!
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/07/22/m...
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/07/22/m...
Michael Zapata Wins Inaugural DAG Prize for Literature - Chicago Review of Books
The DAG Foundation announced today that Michael Zapata has won the inaugural DAG Prize for literature! The DAG Prize was founded by Alyssa and Douglas Graham, working musicians who perform together as...
chireviewofbooks.com
July 22, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Huge shoutout to @michaelzapata.bsky.social for this well-deserved news!!
Also we have a sneak peek on his next book in this article 👀
Also we have a sneak peek on his next book in this article 👀
Reposted by Rachel León
Do you know about the Indie Preorder Party?
We're encouraging readers to order from indie bookstores this weekend! Lots of books are 15% off on preorders, there's a bingo, and there are prizes for readers. Find out more here: lnk.bio/authors4indi...
We're encouraging readers to order from indie bookstores this weekend! Lots of books are 15% off on preorders, there's a bingo, and there are prizes for readers. Find out more here: lnk.bio/authors4indi...
June 27, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Do you know about the Indie Preorder Party?
We're encouraging readers to order from indie bookstores this weekend! Lots of books are 15% off on preorders, there's a bingo, and there are prizes for readers. Find out more here: lnk.bio/authors4indi...
We're encouraging readers to order from indie bookstores this weekend! Lots of books are 15% off on preorders, there's a bingo, and there are prizes for readers. Find out more here: lnk.bio/authors4indi...
Reposted by Rachel León
"The scale of the problems we face seems insurmountable but small groups can change the course of history." In the next installment in our Read Your Resistance series, Luke McGowan-Arnold writes about Terry Bisson’s “Fire on the Mountain."
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/06/26/b...
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/06/26/b...
Black Resistance, Imperfect Utopias, and the American Novel: Searching for meaning in Terry Bisson’s “Fire on the Mountain” in an era of political despair - Chicago Review of Books
Terry Bisson’s novel Fire on the Mountain ends with a spaceship landing on Mars. Unfortunately for us, humans landing on Mars at the moment is largely a dystopian nightmare promulgated by the wannabe ...
chireviewofbooks.com
June 26, 2025 at 3:29 PM
"The scale of the problems we face seems insurmountable but small groups can change the course of history." In the next installment in our Read Your Resistance series, Luke McGowan-Arnold writes about Terry Bisson’s “Fire on the Mountain."
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/06/26/b...
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/06/26/b...
Reposted by Rachel León
📣📣 We're shouting from the rooftops (can ya hear us?) to sayyyyy:
It's a great (lakes) day to pre-order the anthology @mbwwelch.bsky.social edited!!! 🌊🌊🌊🌊
(Girl math means 4 water emojis = 1 great lake. That makes sense... Right?)
It's a great (lakes) day to pre-order the anthology @mbwwelch.bsky.social edited!!! 🌊🌊🌊🌊
(Girl math means 4 water emojis = 1 great lake. That makes sense... Right?)
Preorders are open for "On an Inland Sea: Writing the Great Lakes," coming your way from @beltpublishing.bsky.social on March 10, 2026!
Featuring everything from shipwrecks & ice caves to zebra mussels & manoomin, & 32 writers on why the lakes loom so large.
beltpublishing.com/products/on-...
Featuring everything from shipwrecks & ice caves to zebra mussels & manoomin, & 32 writers on why the lakes loom so large.
beltpublishing.com/products/on-...
June 23, 2025 at 10:19 PM
📣📣 We're shouting from the rooftops (can ya hear us?) to sayyyyy:
It's a great (lakes) day to pre-order the anthology @mbwwelch.bsky.social edited!!! 🌊🌊🌊🌊
(Girl math means 4 water emojis = 1 great lake. That makes sense... Right?)
It's a great (lakes) day to pre-order the anthology @mbwwelch.bsky.social edited!!! 🌊🌊🌊🌊
(Girl math means 4 water emojis = 1 great lake. That makes sense... Right?)